[129] In the deciding game three, Gretzky and Lemieux once again combined for the game-winner. [87] When Pocklington told Oilers general manager and head coach Sather about his plans to trade Gretzky to Los Angeles, Sather tried to stop the deal, but when he found out that Gretzky had been involved in the negotiations, he changed his attitude and requested Luc Robitaille in exchange. [200] There was uncertainty about Gretzky's role[201] until it was announced on May 31, 2006, that he had agreed to a five-year contract to remain head coach. Wayne Gretzky @WayneGretzky . An extremely rare 1979 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky rookie has sold for $3.75 million in a private transaction, . He won a record nine Hart Trophies as the most valuable player in the NHL. [280] The Lady Byng Trophy, awarded for sportsmanship and performance, was presented to Gretzky five times between 1980 and 1999. The Canadian coach, Punch McLean, was originally sceptical of Gretzky's ability as he was the youngest player to compete in the tournament at the age of 16. The NHL retired his jersey number 99 league-wide, making him the only hockey player and one of only three players in professional sports history to receive such an honor, along with Jackie Robinson, whose uniform number 42 was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997, and Bill Russell, whose uniform number 6 was retired by the National Basketball Association in 2022. Gretzky addressed those comments by saying he spoke out to protect the Canadian players, and the tirade was not "staged". "If a guy ran him, Wayne would embarrass that guy", said former Oiler Lee Fogolin. He knew he wasn't big enough, strong enough, or even fast enough to do what he wanted to do if others focused on him. [23] By age 13, he had scored over 1,000goals. [233] Trevor is a former minor league baseball player. [73], When the Oilers joined the NHL, Gretzky continued to play under his personal services contract with Oilers owner Peter Pocklington. Nicknamed "the Great One",[1] he has been called the greatest hockey player ever by many sportswriters, players, The Hockey News, and by the NHL itself,[2] based on extensive surveys of hockey writers, ex-players, general managers and coaches. Every time he took the ice, there was some spontaneous decision he would make. Wayne Gretzky . 96. . The 23,000-square foot facility nestled amongst the grapevines is the first combined winery and distillery in Ontario, inviting guests to join in a celebration of Canadian wine, Canadian whisky, and Canadian culture. The investigation revealed the gambling ring had ties to the Bruno-Scarfo crime family and CBS News reported that Gretzky had been caught on a wire tape " discussing how the hockey great's wife . The Gretzkys bought it back in 2018 for $14.9 million and turned the stunning home back into a beautiful celebrity home (as Dykstra had reportedly trashed the mansion) and now it's back on the market for the princely sum of $22.9 million. [68] The following season, the Oilers met the Islanders in the Finals again, this time winning the Stanley Cup, their first of five in seven years. Wayne Gretzky, former National Hockey League player, speaks during the Rancho Mirage Speaker Series at The Show in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. . [269], In 2003, while not criticizing Canada for declining to participate in the invasion of Iraq, Gretzky praised President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his handling of the conflict, saying: "the President of the United States is a great leader, I happen to think he's a wonderful man and if he believes what he's doing is right, I back him 100 per cent. It most recently sold for US$2.8 million. While they were using all this energy trying to rattle his teeth, he was just skating away, circling, analyzing things."[140]. [256], In 2017 as part-owner with Andrew Peller Ltd., Gretzky opened a winery and distillery bearing the name of Wayne Gretzky Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and with products labelled by the trademark, No. 224. It was the 16th time in 19 seasons that Gretzky earned at least a share of the league lead in the statistic. [220] Gretzky was a guest host of the American late night variety show Saturday Night Live in 1989. Lemieux scored to win the tournament for Canada; the play is widely regarded as one of the most memorable plays in Canadian international competition. [124], Gretzky made his first international appearance as a member of the Canadian national junior team at the 1978 World Junior Championships in Montreal, Quebec. The Oilers, like the other three teams, were to be allowed to protect two goaltenders and two skaters from being reclaimed by the established NHL teams in the 1979 NHL Expansion Draft. [241] The club won the Grey Cup championship in the first year of the partnership, but struggled in the two following seasons, and the partnership sold the team before the 1994 season. 0:35. Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina delivered her baby with . In his active years, he played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1979 to 1999 for 4 teams. In response, Gretzky started shooting on goal himselfand with exceptional effectiveness. The Oshawa Generals picked Tom McCarthy first, and the Niagara Falls Flyers picked Steve Peters second overall. His last NHL game in Canada was on April 15, 1999, a 22tie with the Ottawa Senators and the Rangers' second-to-last game of the season. In 1983, they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, only to be swept by the three-time defending champion New York Islanders. [137][138][139] His reading of the game and his ability to improvise on the fly were unrivaled, and he could consistently anticipate where the puck was going to be and execute the right move at the right time. [102] Under both McNall and the new ownership group, the team was fiscally unstable, to the point that paychecks to players bounced. Emma was raised in Los Angeles by her father and mother, American actress Janet Jones, and her three brothers Ty . [126] Canada nevertheless won in two games by scores of 41 and 42. [29] It was with the Greyhounds that Gretzky first wore the number99 on his jersey. Walter's drills were his own invention, and were ahead of their time in Canada. [179] In addition, Gretzky's jersey number 99 was retired league-wide at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, a decision inspired by Major League Baseball's retirement of the number 42 worn by Jackie Robinson. According to Walter, Wayne was being "shopped" to Los Angeles, Detroit, and Vancouver, and Pocklington needed money as his other business ventures were not doing well. [146], Veteran Canadian journalist Peter Gzowski wrote that Gretzky seemed to be able to slow down time. Trevor signed with the Cubs the next month. [31] Several WHA teams courted Gretzky, notably the Bulls and the Indianapolis Racers. Wayne took home the Hart Trophy honors during his first NHL season. He is one of the best ice hockey players of all time. He led the tournament in scoring for the second consecutive time and was named to the All-Star Team. It's anticipation. On the advice of his agent, Gretzky picked the Oilers, but the move was not that simple. Jones took to Instagram writing: "Love you, Wayne, and a perfect night with most of the family by our sides. [57], During the 198182 season, Gretzky surpassed a record that had stood for 35years: 50 goals in 50 games, first set by Maurice "Rocket" Richard during the 194445 NHL season and tied by Mike Bossy during the 198081 NHL season. [91] After the game, Gretzky took the opportunity to confirm his patriotism: "I'm still proud to be a Canadian. "You never knew what he was going to do", said hockey Hall of Famer Igor Larionov. [38] Skalbania sold Gretzky, Mio and Driscoll to Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, a former business partner. [144] He had a fast and accurate shot. [180] In October 1999, Edmonton honoured Gretzky by renaming one of Edmonton's busiest freeways, Capilano Drivewhich passes by Northlands Coliseumto Wayne Gretzky Drive. [160] In his second year in the league, weighing just 165 pounds, he broke the previous single-season scoring record, racking up 164 points. Fellow Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Potvin compared attempting to hit Gretzky to "wrapping your arms around fog. He led the league in goal-scoring five times and assists 16 times. I'd get up in the morning, skate from 7:00 to 8:30, go to school, come home at 3:30, stay on the ice until my mom insisted I come in for dinner, eat in my skates, then go back out until 9:00.[155]. Then he'd come back and say, "Now, this is how the smart player does it." Then an older player in the sunset of his career, he had been passed over for the captaincy of the team. Goalies called his shots "sneaky fast." [163] He consistently scored last in strength tests among the Edmonton Oilers, bench pressing only 140 pounds (64kg). "[149] Gretzky said he sensed other players more than he actually saw them. [279] In addition, he earned the Lester B. Pearson Award (now Ted Lindsay Award) on five occasions; the award is given to the NHL's "most outstanding player", as determined by National Hockey League Players' Association members. [216], In October 2016, Gretzky returned to the Oilers as a partner and vice-chairman of the team's parent company, Oilers Entertainment Group, to work closely with owner Daryl Katz and Oilers Entertainment Group CEO Bob Nicholson on the business side of the Oilers' operation.[217]. Walter worked at Bell Telephone Canada and owned an apartment in Brantford, where the family lived. A family portrait of Wayne and Janet with kids Trevor, Paulina and Ty in 1997. . [124] He recounted: My last game in New York was my greatest day in hockey Everything you enjoy about the sport of hockey as a kid, driving to practice with mom [Phyllis] and dad [Walter], driving to the game with mom and dad, looking in the stands and seeing your mom and dad and your friends, that all came together in that last game in New York. Wayne Gretzky (@waynegretzky) Instagram photo. Gretzky's final head coaching record was 14316124. [88], On August 9, 1988, in a move that heralded significant change in the NHL, the Oilers traded Gretzky (along with McSorley and Krushelnyski) to the Kings for Carson, Martin Glinas, $15million in cash, and the Kings' first-round draft picks in 1989 (later traded to the New Jersey Devils, who used it to select Jason Miller), 1991, (used to select Martin Runsk), and 1993, (used to select Nick Stajduhar). "[148], Commentators have noted Gretzky's uncanny ability to judge the position of the other players on the iceso much so that many suspected he enjoyed some kind of extrasensory perception. While Skalbania knew it was unlikely the Racers would be one of these teams (in part because the WHA insisted that all of its surviving Canadian teams be included), he still hoped to keep the Racers alive long enough to collect compensation from the surviving teams when the WHA dissolved, as well as any funds earned from selling the young star. As of March 2023, Wayne Gretzky's net worth is estimated to be roughly $250 Million. I don't care if you're Carl Lewis, you can't outskate that little black thing. The following year, as a 1516-year-old, he had 72points in 32games with the same team, renamed the Seneca Nationals. My Dad was very smart."[152]. Gretzky represented the Blues in the game, which his team won 87. [224][225], While serving as a judge on Dance Fever, Gretzky met actress Janet Jones. [121] At the time of his retirement, Gretzky was the second-to-last WHA player still active in professional hockey. [219] In 1984, he travelled to the Soviet Union to film a television program on Russian goaltender Vladislav Tretiak. Under the agreement, the WHA agreed to fold after the 1979 season with the Oilers and three other teams (the Hartford (New England) Whalers, the Quebec Nordiques and the Winnipeg Jets) joining the older league as expansion franchises. Gretzky's trade to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9, 1988, had an immediate impact on the team's performance, ultimately leading them to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals, and he is credited with popularizing hockey in California. He earned Rookie of the Year honours in the Metro Junior B Hockey League in 197576, with 60points in 28games. Born in Brantford, Ontario in 1961, Wayne Gretzky learned to skate on a rink his father Walter built in the family's backyard. After losing the first game of a best-of-three final series against the Soviets, Gretzky propelled Canada with a five-assist performance in the second game, including the game-winning pass to Lemieux in overtime, to extend the tournament. [199], On May 5, 2009, the Coyotes' holding company, Dewey Ranch Hockey LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. . [5] Despite his unimpressive size and strength, Gretzky's intelligence, stamina, and reading of the game were unrivaled. [203] His temper boiled over after Canada's 33draw versus the Czech Republic, as he launched a tirade against the perceived negative reputation of Team Canada amongst other national squads, and called rumours of dissent in the dressing room the result of "American propaganda". Gretzky was one of six players voted to the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) Centennial All-Star Team. [112] After the 199697 season, Mark Messier signed a free agent contract with the Vancouver Canucks, ending the brief reunion of Messier and Gretzky after just one season. No. "[91] After the 198889 season, a life-sized bronze statue of Gretzky was erected outside Northlands Coliseum, holding the Stanley Cup over his head. Gretzky accomplished the feat in only 39games. Phyliss, his wife of 45 years, died of lung . He made his 2 million dollar fortune with Professional Ice Hockey Player (Retired). Howe traveled with the Gretzky family to show support. [204] The Canadian team won the gold medal, its first in 50years. Seven months later, Gretzky joined Team Canada for the 1982 World Championships in Finland. [235][236], His father Walter died in 2021 at the age of 82. [238] During his ownership, the team's colours were changed to silver and black, presaging the change in team jersey colours when he played for the Los Angeles Kings. So I had a long head start on everyone else. Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, the son of Phyllis Leone (Hockin) and Walter Gretzky. "He'd score six or seven points on him. [268] It was the best-selling Canadian book of 2016. Growing up, he was a competitive runner and also batted .492 for the Junior Intercounty Baseball League's Brantford CKCP Braves in the summer of 1980. Introduction. [197] Gretzky resumed his head-coaching duties on December 28. Wayne's brothers Brent and Keith both had short-lived professional careers in hockey and his son, Trevor, was an impressive high school football quarterback who played on the same team as the sons of Will Smith and Joe Montana. Chicago coach Mike Keenan said it best: "There's a spot on the ice that's no-man's land, and all the good goal scorers find it." Marie Greyhounds selected Gretzky, even though Walter Gretzky had told the team Wayne would not move to Sault Ste. [102] During the 199495 NHL lock-out, Gretzky and some friends (including Mark Messier, Marty McSorley, Brett Hull and Steve Yzerman) formed the Ninety Nine All Stars Tour and played eight exhibition games in various countries. [61] He was also named 1982 "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated. But as the series continued, his unique skills made him a team leader. [230], The couple have five children: Paulina, Ty, Trevor, Tristan, and Emma. Wayne Gretzky said in a social media post Thursday night that his father battled Parkinson's . [281], A number of awards and trophies have been created under his name. Perched on the crest of a hill with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Lake . He originally wanted to wear number9for his hockey hero Gordie Howebut it was already being worn by teammate Brian Gualazzi. "[80], In this, Gretzky added his considerable influence as the preeminent NHL star of his day to that of the Soviets, who had also developed a more team-style of play, and had successfully used it against the best NHL teams, beginning in the 1972 Summit Series. Wayne Gretzky: Family and Education. [166], According to Gretzky, lacrosse was where he learned to protect himself from hard checks: "In those days you could be hit from behind in lacrosse, as well as cross-checked, so you had to learn how to roll body checks for self-protection. The Gretzkys are basically the royal family in Canada and they will be adding a new member to their family very soon. [27], Despite his offensive statisticsscoring 132 points in 60 games in Junior B[27]two teams bypassed him in the 1977 Ontario Major Junior Hockey League draft of 16-year-olds. [72] The Oilers also won the Stanley Cup with Gretzky in 1985, 1987 and 1988. [237], Gretzky owned or partnered in the ownership of two sports teams before becoming a partner in the Phoenix Coyotes. The Great One wasn't going to leave hockey behind forever, though. Wayne Gretzky is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and head coach. Gretzky did not attend the Coyotes' training camp, leaving associate head coach Ulf Samuelsson in charge, due to an uncertain contractual status with the club, whose bankruptcy hearings were continuing. [185] On May 10, 2010, he was awarded The Ambassador Award of Excellence by the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission. [142], He passed and shot with prodigious skill. [29] His coach at the Edmonton Oilers, Glen Sather, said, "He was so much more intelligent. [277] Between 1981 and 1994, he won the Art Ross Trophy, presented to the NHL's season points leader, 10 times. The Gretzkys had to legally challenge the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association to win Wayne the right to play in a different area, which was disallowed at the time. [16] On the backyard rink, nicknamed the "Wally Coliseum", winter was total hockey immersion with Walter as mentor-teacher as well as teammate. 18. Wayne Gretzky (@waynegretzky) Instagram photo. Together, they have two children, Tatum and River Johnson. [227] Gretzky proposed in January 1988,[228] and they were married on July 16, 1988, in a lavish ceremony the Canadian press dubbed "The Royal Wedding". He was 82. The Oilers reached the Avco World Trophy finals (the only WHA championship series appearance for the franchise), where they lost to the Winnipeg Jets in six games. "A lot of times, I can turn and pass without even looking."[5]. Walter Gretzky, the ultimate Canadian hockey dad who taught and nurtured the Great One, has died. [20], By age 10, Gretzky had scored an astonishing 378goals and 139assists in just oneseason with the Brantford Nadrofsky Steelers. Trucking magnate and Arizona Diamondbacks part-owner Jerry Moyes was added to the partnership. Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, the son of Phyllis Leone (Hockin) and Walter Gretzky. [100], The next season, Gretzky broke Gordie Howe's career goal-scoring record of 801, and won the scoring title,[56] but the team began a long slide, and despite numerous player and coaching moves, they failed to qualify for the playoffs again until 1998. Gretzky was named to the club on November 29, 1997. [79], Gretzky had a major influence on the style of play of the Edmonton Oilers and in the NHL as a whole, helping to inspire a more team-based strategy. Wayne Gretzky and Janet Jones' almost all big family captioned in one snap as they mark their 33rd wedding anniversary. I hope Canadians understand that. Wayne Gretzky, a former Canadian ice hockey player known as "The Great One," has a daughter named Emma. Him: "Which means" [150], Despite his lack of strength, Gretzky had remarkable physical stamina. Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery is part of the APL family, located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country. [54] The Calder was instead awarded to Boston Bruins defenceman Ray Bourque. [48][49], Gretzky's success in the WHA carried over into the NHL, despite some critics suggesting he would struggle in what was considered the bigger, tougher and more talented league. May 26, 2021 at 6:25 p.m. "The Great One" is headed from the front office to a cable television studio. In one of the snaps, the family were pictured in a living room. You saw him but when you reached out to grab him your hands felt nothing, maybe just a chill." [162] He weighed "about 170 pounds" for the better part of his career. Football wasn't even Trevor's best sport either - that . [122] Gretzky ended his career with a final point, assisting on the lone New York goal scored by Brian Leetch. Now he was in Indy, taking some classes at Broad Ripple High School, living with a family in the Brookshire development in Carmel. Brantford further inducted Gretzky into its "Walk of Fame" in 2004. Mark Messier, who attended the game along with other representatives of the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty, was the last.[123]. Both McNall and Pocklington quickly agreed. [175], Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 22, 1999, becoming the tenth player to bypass the three-year waiting period. TORONTO (AP) Walter Gretzky, the father of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has died. Ultimately, it was Racers owner Nelson Skalbania who, on June 12, 1978, signed 17-year-old Gretzky to a seven-year personal services contract worth US$1.75million. She and Johnson posed beside her father Wayne and mom Janet, while their two boys sat beneath them in the cutest . Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario. And like his parents, the retired athlete also has five children with his wife . Wayne has five children with his wife of over 30 years, actor Janet Jones: 32-year-old Paulina, 30-year-old Ty, 28-year-old Trevor, 20-year-old Tristan, and 18-year . Peter Gzowski says that the best of the best athletes in all sports understand the game so well, and in such detail, that they can instantly recognize and capitalize upon emerging patterns of play.